Medieval Art: History, Characteristics, and Examples

The medieval period stands as a fascinating era that introduced many cultural, social, and artistic transformations. Medieval Art saw a lot of changes in this era. There was also the creation of many new styles and techniques in different genres of art. Religious devotion, brilliant craftsmanship, and aristocratic patronage all combined to form a distinctive aesthetic.

Medieval Art has a rich and important part in the history of visual art. It played a massive role in inspiring many artists that followed the era, and it still continues to do so. Even today, artists love experimenting with medieval portrait paintings or sculptures and capture their essence in their works of art.

We will look into the history of medieval art along with its characteristics and some notable examples in this article. So, read on to find out everything that you must know about Medieval Art.

History of Medieval Art

The artistic creations made in Europe between the 5th and 15th centuries are called Medieval art, and the period gets referred to as the Middle Ages.

Medieval art is a very broad term that includes a wide variety of different art styles, media, and techniques. The styles varied from Illuminated manuscripts and metalwork to architecture, sculptures, and paintings. Since Medieval art is a broad category, we can also divide its history into different unique periods.

Early Christian Art (5th-7th centuries)

The period between c. 300-600 is the period that saw the rise of Christian Art as a unique art form. The Roman era and Eastern Mediterranean art heavily influenced the art styles of Early Christian Art. This form of artwork often showcased the various scenes and symbols from the Bible.

Source: Artwork Abode

The artworks of this era were known for their abstract and straightforward style. Crosses and fish were some of the most common symbols in Medieval paintings.

We can mark the early medieval art years with the rise of Christian art in the Roman Empire. This occurred after Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the early 4th century. The early Christian Mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, and frescoes were all produced during this period.

Early Christian art focused on depicting various instances from the Bible and highlighting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It got heavily influenced by the existing Roman styles.

The artistic production of the early Christian Church between the 5th and 7th centuries is called Early Christian Art. This was a time of significant change in the artistic traditions of Rome at the time. Christianity rose in popularity at the time, and religion greatly influenced all the artistic expressions of the time.

Source: World History Encyclopedia

A significant contribution of Early Christian art was the emergence of Christian Iconography. This included the artworks showing Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, the teacher, and other such roles. The paintings also showed important biblical scenes like the Crucifixion and Nativity and portraits of important religious figures such as saints.

Early Christian art also reflected the theological debates and controversies of the time. An example of this is the depiction of Christ in many of the early works of Christian art. This was a subject of debate very often as various interpretations of the divinity and humanity of Christ emerged. Some works showed Christ to be fully human; others focused more on the divine nature of Christ.

Early Christian art played a significant role in the emergence of Christian visual and artistic culture. It also cemented the themes and motifs that would influence the production of art throughout as well as beyond the medieval period, inspiring even many modern artists.

Byzantine Art (5th-15th centuries)

The artistic production of the Eastern Roman Empire gets referred to as Byzantine art. The art style was known for its use of rich colors, religious subject matter, and ornate decorations. Some major forms of Byzantine art are iconic paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and mosaics.

Source: Khan Academy

The art style of the Byzantine era made use of richly colored mosaics, elaborate iconography, and gold leaves. The Orthodox Christian Church heavily influenced this religious art style and played a central role in molding cultural and religious identity.

The artworks made use of arches, domes, and intricate mosaics. The use of gold leaf showcased the divine and created a feeling of otherworldliness. This style made the viewer's mind and soul rise up to a higher spiritual plane.

Byzantine art, which was pre romanesque, was very sophisticated and followed complex art traditions. It was known for its focus on using gold leaves, religious iconography, and intricate decorative elements. The era played a huge role in shaping art traditions during medieval times and continues to do so even today.

Romanesque Art (11th-12th centuries)

Romanesque art lasted from the year 1000 to 1150. This period saw the rise of a new art style known for its use of massive stone walls, barrel vaults, and rounded arches. This form of art style was often used to decorate monasteries and churches and involved frescoes and intricate carvings.

The period also saw the creation of Illuminated Manuscripts like the Bayeux Tapestry. This shows the Norman Conquest of England in the year 1066. The Catholic church very heavily influenced Romanesque art. The Romanesque era acted as a bridge connecting the earlier medieval era and the later Gothic period.

The Bayeux Tapestry
Source: Britannica

An important aspect of Romanesque art was its architecture. The idea behind the architecture was to convey a feeling of stability and strength. Romanesque sculptures often had highly detailed and expressive features that expressed drama and emotions. The manuscripts of the time had illustrations that showed scenes from the Bible, other religious figures, and saints.

Romanesque art was unique and influential as it reflected the social, political, and religious realities of the time in Europe. Romanesque art paved the way for Gothic art, pushing European art and architecture to greater heights.

Gothic Art (12th-15th centuries)

The Gothic Era lasted from 1150 to 1400; the art form emerged in France during the 12th century and slowly spread throughout Europe. The art style was known for using Flying Buttresses, Ribbed Vaults, and Pointed Arches. This allowed for the making of more complex and larger buildings.

Source: Interesting Engineering

Elaborate decorations that included paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows were all part of the Gothic Art style.

The art style of Gothic Art was a considerable shift from that of the Romanesque art style. The works often showed religious themes from the Bibles or a Saint's life, as the objective of the art was to create devotion and piety within the viewer.

Gothic art, too, made use of symbols and complex images to showcase philosophical ideas and religious ideologies. The works often had hidden meanings and layers which needed careful interpretation.

Gothic art represented the outstanding achievement in medieval Europe in artistic culture and art. The architecture, attention to detail, and decorative elements paved the way for the Renaissance era that came later on, which further pushed the limits of art in Europe and took it to greater heights.

Source: Wikipedia

The history of Medieval art is an amalgamation of diverse, complex, and major art movements that spread across multiple centuries. It had various techniques and styles. Each period of medieval art is known for its unique contributions and features that led to the further development of art at the time. The medieval era not only left a significant impact on the art and culture of Europe but also around the world.

Characteristics of Medieval Art

The Medieval Era or the Middle Ages, as discussed above in the section that dealt with the era's history, commenced from the fall of Rome until the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe. That falls roughly from the fourth century to the early sixteenth century.

Source: Prague.eu

Most of the art created in this age was religious in nature. Religious paintings were made to glorify God rather than to explore and appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities of art. Most of the art produced during this period featured Jesus Christ or other Gods, the Holy family, and saints.

The art created during the Medieval Period, thus, varied based on the region. It was primarily made to appeal to the religious audience and the particular God they believed in.

Medieval Art is not a term that just refers to the paintings of the time. The art of the Middle Ages includes paintings, sculptures, monuments, mosaics, illustrated manuscripts, architecture, etc.

Source: Goodreads

Let us now look at the characteristics of different kinds of art that comes under Medieval Art.

Medieval Architecture

Medieval architecture mainly refers to the architectural styles prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. It encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques that evolved over the centuries.

Source: Wikipedia

The two dominant architectural styles of the medieval period were Romanesque and Gothic. We will look into detail these two styles and the characteristics that make Medieval architecture unique.

Romanesque Style

Romanesque architecture got prevalent from the 11th to the 12th century. The main characteristics of all the buildings built under the Romanesque style are thick walls, rounded arches, and small, narrow windows.

Source: Britannica

1. Rounded Arches

Romanesque architecture is famous for its use of rounded arches. The main inspiration behind such an element is from Roman architecture. These arches provide structural strength, and one can see them over doorways, windows, and arcades.

2. Thick Walls

Romanesque buildings have thick walls that are made of stone or masonry. These walls only have a few openings that give these buildings a fortress-like appearance.

3. Barrel Vaults

Barrel vaults, which are semi-cylindrical vaults used to cover wide spaces, are an important feature of Romanesque architecture. They are commonly seen in the nave of churches.

4. Groin Vaults

Another type of vault used in Romanesque architecture is the groin vault, formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults. This creates a cross-shaped pattern. They used groin vaults to cover the aisles and transepts of churches.

Source: Medievalheritage.eu

5. Thick Columns and Piers

Romanesque buildings feature thick, sturdy columns or piers to help support the weight of the heavy masonry above. These columns have a strong and simple appearance.

6. Towers and Bell Towers

Many Romanesque churches and cathedrals have tall towers or bell towers at the front facade or the crossing of the nave and transept. These towers are square or cylindrical and serve both functional and decorative purposes.

7. Decorative Elements

Romanesque architecture, even though more focused on strength and solidity, still has some decorative elements present in its buildings. These include sculptural reliefs that depict biblical scenes, religious figures, and symbolic motifs.

8. Small Windows and Few Openings

Romanesque buildings have small, narrow windows with semi-circular arches. The small size of the windows helps maintain the structural integrity of the thick walls. Similarly, the limited number of openings contributes to the fortress-like appearance of the architecture.

Some of the most famous examples of Romanesque architecture are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Duomo di Modena, etc.

Leaning Tower of Pisa
Source: Wikipedia

Gothic Style

Gothic architecture emerged in the 12th century and became a primary architectural style until the 16th century. The main features of buildings built under the Gothic Art Style include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows.

Source: Wikipedia

Gothic architecture departed from earlier architectural styles with advancements in engineering, design and a shift towards a more vertical and light-filled aesthetic. The style emphasized grandeur, soaring heights, and intricate details making it the preferred architectural choice for cathedrals, churches, and important civic buildings during the medieval period.

1. Pointed Arches

One of the defining characteristics of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch. These kinds of arches replaced the round arches of the preceding Romanesque style. Pointed arches provided greater structural stability to the buildings, making them taller and more spacious.

2. Ribbed Vaults

Gothic buildings feature ribbed vaults, unlike Romanesque buildings' barrel and groin vaults. The intersection of two or more pointed arches is how ribbed vaults got formed. The ribs help distribute the weight of the vaulted ceiling downward.

Such a structure, in turn, allows for more extensive and higher spaces. Ribbed vaults also add a sense of elegance and rhythm to the interior.

3. Flying Buttresses

Gothic cathedrals often have external supports called flying buttresses. They are arches or half-arches that extend from the upper part of the walls, transmitting the weight of the roof and vaults to external piers or buttresses.

Source: Flickr

Flying buttresses enabled the construction of taller and more open interiors. They redirected the outward thrust of the vaults, thus reducing the need for massive load-bearing walls.

4. Verticality

Gothic architecture emphasized vertical lines and proportions. The buildings got designed to draw the eye upward to create a sense of aspiration and reach toward the heavens. Gothic architecture achieved this verticality through the use of pointed arches, slender columns, tall spires, and towering facades.

5. Stained Glass Windows

Gothic architecture is renowned for its large stained glass windows. These windows, often found in the upper levels of cathedrals, portray religious scenes, biblical stories, and saints. They feature vibrant colors, intricate details, and the play of light that fills the interior spaces.

Source: Wikipedia

6. Ornamentation and Sculpture

Gothic buildings are adorned with elaborate stone carvings and sculptures. Decorative elements such as gargoyles, finials, pinnacles, and tracery are present on the facades, spires, and interior spaces of these buildings. These intricate details add richness and complexity to the overall design.

7. Rose Windows

Another prominent feature of Gothic architecture is the rose window. These circular or wheel-shaped windows are often on the facade of cathedrals displaying intricate stone tracery patterns. Rose windows of the era are famous for their stunning stained glass designs.

Some of the most famous examples of Gothic architecture are the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, etc.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Source: Italian Dual Citizenship

Medieval Sculptures

Medieval sculptures spanned from the 5th to the 15th century and dealt with topics of religion and war. The human bodies made as sculptures during the time looked disproportionate and unrealistic.

Source: Study.com

The major characteristics of medieval sculptures are as follows:

1. Religious Themes

The majority of medieval sculptures got created for religious purposes to serve as devotional objects and symbols of faith, and thus, most were religious in nature. They depicted biblical figures, saints, and religious narratives.

2. Hierarchical Representation

Medieval sculptures often followed a hierarchical system. That is, more prominent figures represented more important individuals. For example, in a church portal, Christ may be depicted as the largest figure, followed by angels, saints, and then ordinary people.

3. Stylized Forms

Medieval sculptures did not follow a natural representation. They had a stylized and symbolic quality that gave them an unrealistic look. Artists used spiritual and abstract elements over realistic anatomy or facial features.

Source: Study.com

4. Expression of Emotion

While realism was not the primary focus, medieval sculptors still tried to convey emotions and religious fervor through facial expressions and gestures. Figures often displayed intense expressions that matched the mood of the sculpture.

5. Decorative Details

Medieval sculptures had intricate and elaborate details. Artists paid careful attention to clothing, jewelry, drapery, and other decorative elements to enhance the overall aesthetic of their sculptures.

6. Narrative Scenes

Many medieval sculptures featured narrative scenes from the Bible or the lives of saints. These depictions allowed viewers to follow a story or spiritual journey and satisfy their religious fervor.

Source: British Museum

7. Iconography and Symbolism

Symbolism played a significant role in medieval sculptures. Objects, gestures, and poses had metaphorical meanings that conveyed theological concepts or moral lessons.

8. Material and Techniques

Stone, wood, metal, or ivory were the materials that got used to make Medieval sculptures. They used chisels to carve stone sculptures, while wood sculptures typically got carved and painted. Metal sculptures got cast using the lost-wax technique. Polychromy, or the use of multiple colors, was common, with sculptures often brightly painted.

These characteristics varied across different medieval periods, regions, and artistic traditions. High Gothic sculptures, for instance, showed greater naturalism and movement compared to earlier Romanesque styles. Nonetheless, these general characteristics provide an overview of the aesthetic and purpose of medieval sculptures.

Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated manuscripts are handwritten books created primarily during the medieval period between the 5th and 16th centuries. They got called "illuminated" because they have elaborate decorative art, like intricate illustrations, ornate borders, and decorative initials. These manuscripts got produced by skilled scribes and artists who painstakingly crafted each page.

Source: Wikipedia

Here are some of the critical characteristics of illuminated manuscripts:

1. Handwritten Text

As printing was not an option back then, illuminated manuscripts got written by hand. Skilled scribes who were well-versed in calligraphy got assigned the job of writing them. The text was often written in Latin, the predominant language of the Church and academia during that time.

2. Elaborate Decorations

One of the defining features of illuminated manuscripts is their lavish decoration. The pages had intricate borders, initials, and decorative elements, including floral motifs, geometric patterns, and mythical creatures. They were painted with vibrant pigments and adorned with gold or silver leaves.

3. Miniatures

Miniatures were small, highly detailed illustrations that accompanied the texts. Often found at the beginning of chapters or sections, they depicted scenes from religious texts, historical events, or everyday life. The artists used bright colors and fine brushwork to paint the miniatures with great skill and precision.

Source: Minneapolis Institute of Art home

4. Use of Gold and Silver

Illuminated manuscripts included gold and silver leaves to enhance the beauty of the pages. These precious metals got applied in thin sheets to create a shimmering effect by catching and reflecting light.

5. Vellum or Parchment

Vellum or parchment derived from animal skins, usually calf or sheep, was used to make the pages of illuminated manuscripts. These materials provided a durable and smooth surface for writing and painting.

6. Religious and Literary Content

The primary purpose of illuminated manuscripts was to preach religious texts such as the Bible, Psalms, Gospels, and prayer books. They also, at times, included literary works, classical texts, and scientific treatises, reflecting the broader intellectual and cultural interests of the time.

7. Patronage and Commissioning

Illuminated manuscripts were expensive and time-consuming to create, so wealthy patrons or religious institutions were the ones who often commissioned and funded them. These patrons played a significant role in determining the content, style, and level of ornamentation in the manuscripts.

8. Symbolism and Allegory

Illuminated manuscripts employed symbolism and allegory to convey deeper meanings. They carried symbolic representations of virtues, vices, saints, or biblical narratives that added layers of visual storytelling to the text.

Source: La Gazette Drouot

Illuminated manuscripts are remarkable examples of craftsmanship, combining skilled calligraphy, intricate illustrations, and beautiful decoration. They served as important cultural and religious artifacts, preserving knowledge and artistic traditions of the time.

Some of the most famous examples of medieval illustrated manuscripts are The Black Hours, The Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospels, etc.

Medieval paintings

Medieval paintings, also known as medieval art or Gothic art, spanned a thousand years from the 5th to the 15th century. During this time, European art underwent significant changes and developments.

Source: Art in Context

The characteristics of medieval paintings can vary depending on several factors like the region, period, and specific artistic style. Here are some general features associated with medieval art.

1. Religious Themes

Like most medieval art pieces and forms, the Church or religious institutions commissioned most medieval paintings. Thus, they all mostly have religious themes. Biblical stories, scenes from the life of Christ, saints, and angels were common subjects featured in these paintings. Their primary purpose was to convey religious messages and educate the illiterate masses about Christianity.

2. Symbolism and Allegory

Medieval paintings extensively used symbolism and allegory. Artists used visual cues and objects with a symbolic meaning to represent abstract concepts or religious ideas. For example, the use of a lily in a painting symbolizes purity, while a serpent represents evil or temptation.

3. Vibrant Colors

Medieval artists favored rich, vibrant colors for their paintings. They colored their illustrations by using natural pigments made from minerals, plants, and animal sources. They often featured bold reds, blues, and gold that symbolized divine or heavenly qualities. The colors got applied in flat areas with little shading or gradation.

Source: Medievalists.net

4. Elaborate Decoration

Medieval paintings often incorporated intricate and elaborate decorative elements. Borders, floral motifs, and gold leaf embellishments got commonly used to enhance the overall visual impact of the artwork.

5. Hierarchical Composition

Medieval paintings followed a hierarchical composition, with the most important figures or scenes placed at the top or center of the composition. Scale and placement emphasize the relative importance of different subjects within the artwork.

6. Lack of Naturalism

Medieval art did not have a naturalistic representation. The focus was more on conveying spiritual and symbolic meanings rather than accurately depicting the physical world. Figures were also stylized in medieval paintings, like in their sculptures with elongated proportions. They also lacked individualized features and were quite generic.

7. Narrative Storytelling

Medieval artists used narrative storytelling in their medieval art pieces and paintings. Instead of depicting a single moment in time, they presented multiple episodes or events from a story within a single artwork. This approach allowed for the sequential portrayal of significant religious or historical narratives.

Some of the most famous examples of medieval paintings are Adoration of the Magi, Ghent Altarpiece, Ognissanti Madonna, etc.

Source: Wikipedia

Famous Masterpieces of Medieval Art

Medieval Art is famous for its rich artistic heritage and still inspires many artists. From illuminated manuscripts and metalwork to sculpture and architecture, Medieval Art produced some of the most iconic and enduring masterpieces in art history.

In this section, we will explore some of the most famous artworks of the Medieval era that contributed to making the art of the middle ages popular.

Hagia Sophia (built in 537 A.D.)

Hagia Sophia is a historical monument that is a masterpiece of Medieval art because of the beauty the building possesses. The building is in Istanbul, Turkey, and was built in 537 A.D.

Hagia Sophia was built first as a Christian Cathedral during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for almost 1,000 years.

Source: Medieval Art

After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453, the building became a mosque. The Ottomans added minarets, made other modifications to the building, and covered up the Christian mosaics and frescoes to make it resemble a mosque.

In 1935, the Turkish Governor converted Hagia Sophia into a museum. However, in July 2020, the Turkish government announced that it would become a mosque again, sparking controversy and protests.

During the medieval ages, it was the tallest building that existed because of its massive and iconic domes. Today, Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions and an important symbol of Christian and Islamic history and culture.

The Lindisfarne Gospels (written between 715 – 720 A.D.)

The Lindisfarne Gospels is a beautifully illuminated manuscript Gospel book produced in the early medieval period between 715 and 720 AD. The book is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of early medieval art, popular for its intricate designs and stunning illustrations. The work is mostly copied from the Latin translation of the Christian Bible known as the Vulgate by St. Jerome.

Source: Medieval Art

The Lindisfarne Gospels got created in northern England on the small island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland. The manuscript is decorated with elaborate illuminations, including ornate initials, decorative borders, and illustrations of biblical scenes. The work is also known for using a wide range of colors, such as bright blues, greens, and reds.

The Lindisfarne Gospels contain the four Gospels of the New Testament - Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John, written in Latin. It is a testament to the skill and creativity the early medieval scribes and illuminators possessed. The use of illuminations is highly detailed and often features intricate interlacing patterns, animals, and biblical scenes.

The Lindisfarne Gospels is also an important historical document that provides insights into the religious and cultural life of early medieval England. The manuscript got created when Christianity was still spreading throughout the British Isles. It offered a glimpse into the unique blend of Mediterranean, Celtic, and Anglo-Saxon art and culture that characterized the region at the time.

Today, the Lindisfarne Gospels are held in the collections of the British Library in London, where they are considered one of the greatest treasures of the library. The manuscript is still studied and admired for its beauty and historical significance and continues to inspire artists and scholars alike.

Palatine Chapel (built between 790 – 805 A.D.)

The Palatine Chapel, also known as the Royal Chapel of Palermo, is a famous example of medieval art and architecture. It got built between 790 and 805 AD in Palermo, Italy, during the reign of Roger II of Sicily.

Source: Advisor.Travel

The chapel was part of the royal palace complex and was the court chapel for the Norman kings of Sicily. It is the only remaining component of Charlemagne’s Palace of Aachen in current Germany.

The Palatine Chapel is a masterpiece because of its intricate mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of the chapel. The mosaics feature scenes from the Old and New Testaments and of the Norman kings and their courtiers. They are characterized by their bright colors and intricate details, demonstrating the influence of Byzantine and Islamic art on medieval European art.

The architecture of the Palatine Chapel is also notable and is considered an exemplary vision of Carolingian architecture. There are elements of Byzantine, Islamic, and Western European architecture reflecting the diverse cultural influences that shaped Sicily during the medieval period.

Source: Sicily on Web

Today, the Palatine Chapel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Palermo. It is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world and is a testament to medieval Sicily's cultural diversity and artistic achievements.

Notre Dame de Paris (built between 1163 – 1345 A.D.)

Notre Dame de Paris is an excellent example of medieval art and architecture. The cathedral was built from 1163 to 1345 during the Gothic period of medieval art under the guidance of Bishop Marice de Sully. As the name suggests, Notre Dame de Paris is a cathedral church in Paris, France.

Source: Wikipedia

The architects and builders of Notre Dame de Paris used innovative techniques and engineering to create a vast, open interior space. Its soaring ceilings and large stained-glass windows allowed for ample natural light. They also incorporated intricate stone carvings and sculptures throughout the cathedral, depicting religious scenes, figures, and animals.

The monument also has added features like ribbed vaults and pointed arches, making it a masterpiece of Medieval Gothic Art. Notre Dame de Paris- has undergone several changes and reconstruction throughout the years because of the damage and deterioration it suffered.

Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram

The Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram is a famous illuminated Gospel book considered one of the most valuable treasures of the medieval period. It is named after the Benedictine monastery of St. Emmeram in Regensburg, Germany, where it was kept for many centuries.

Source: History of Information

The illuminated manuscript was likely created in the early 9th century, around 870 AD, during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles II (the Bald). It is believed to have got produced by a scriptorium in either Bavaria or Salzburg, the centers of Carolingian art and manuscript production at the time.

The Codex Aureus lives up to the meaning of the name, ‘Golden Book’ in Latin, with its rich and intricate illustrations, elaborate initial letters, and use of gold and silver ink. The illuminations portray scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the evangelists.

The manuscript is written in Latin and, like the Lindisfarne Gospels, contains the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The text is written in a beautiful Carolingian minuscule script, with elegant calligraphy and decorative elements.

Over the centuries, the codex changed hands multiple times and got held by various monastic communities and noble families. In the 19th century, King Ludwig I of Bavaria acquired it and made it a part of the Bavarian State Library's collection in Munich, where it is now housed.

Due to its historical and artistic significance, the Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram is considered a masterpiece of medieval book art. It provides valuable insights into the artistic and cultural achievements of the Carolingian period. It also serves as a testament to the important role of illuminated manuscripts in preserving and transmitting knowledge during the Middle Ages.

Conclusion

Medieval art encompasses a wide variety of artistic expressions that emerged during the Middle Ages. The genre gets characterized by its close association with Christianity, as many artworks served religious purposes and conveyed spiritual narratives. Medieval art exhibits diverse forms, styles, and techniques that helped evolve art forms further.

Medieval art has inspired many artists that followed and has helped art develop further. There are still many art enthusiasts and artists that enjoy medieval art and the vintage setting it provides.

This article discussed the history, characteristics, and some examples of medieval art. We hope you were able to find and understand everything you wanted to know about this interesting topic.